Hydrogenation of fatty acids and their triglycerides using a Pd(II) catalyst in an ion-exchange resin

ABSTRACT

A process for the highly selective hydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and their triglycerides to the monounsaturated compounds using a homogenous Pd(II) catalyst in an ion-exchange resin and a process for improving the carrier properties for this and other reactions of ion-exchange resins are described. The resin&#39;&#39;s properties are improved by treatment with base or acid, without changing the number of active sites by more than 25% until the percentage of active sites readily accessible to large molecules is increased by at least 20%. In the hydrogenation process the Pd(II) is introduced into the saltform of cation-exchange resins and into the hydroxyl or neutral form of anion-exchange resins.

United States Patent ['91 Hinze IIYDROGENATION OF FATTY ACIDS AND THEIR TRIGLYCERIDES USING A PD(II) CATALYST IN AN ION-EXCHANGE RESIN [75] Inventor: Adrien George Hinze, Dordrecht.

Netherlands [73] Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, New

York, NY.

22 Filed: Jan. 24. I973 211 App]. No.2 326,316

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Jan. 25. I972 Great Britain 3426/72 [52] U.S. Cl 260/409, 252/430, 260/2],

[5l] Int. Cl ClIc 3/12, BOlj 11/]6, C08f 27/06 [58] Field of Search 260/409 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2.520.440 8/l950 Sanders............................... 260/409 2.861.045 ll/l958 Langer, Jr.... 252/430 2.948.742 8/!960 Zajcew 260/409 3.578.609 5/l971 l-iaag et al 252/430 3.663.479 5/l972 Lovegren et al 252/429 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS l.l 12.047 8/l96l Germany Feb. 11, 1975 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Harada et 21].. Chemical Abstracts. Vol. 73, 458l3r. (I970). Linarte Lazcano et a]., Chemical Abstracts, Vol. 75. 48090e. I971). Solkolskii et al., Chemical Abstracts. Vol. 60. l0936c. (I964).

Primary Examiner-Lewis Gotts Assistant Examiner-Diana G. Rivers Attorney. Agent, or Firm--Melvin I-i. Kurtz. Esq.; Arnold Grant. Esq.; James J. Farrell. Esq.

[57] ABSTRACT A process for the highly selective hydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and their triglycerides to the monounsaturated compounds using a homogenous Pd(ll) catalyst in an ion-exchange resin and a process for improving the carrier properties for this and other reactions of ion-exchange resins are described. The resin: properties are improved by treatment with base or acid, without changing the number of active sites by more than 25% until the percentage of active sites readily accessible to large molecules is increased by at least 20%. In the hydrogenation process the Pd(ll) is introduced into the salt-form of cation-exchange resins and into the hydroxyl or neutral form of anionexchange resins.

I Claim, No Drawings The invention relates to the hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids using a supported palladium catalyst, to a process for preparing a support-material particularly suitable for such a catalyst, to supported metallic catalysts supported in such support-materials and to catalytic processes using such supported metallic catalysts.

In this specification the term fatty acids" is used to cover free fatty acids and their derivatives, such as esters and amides. Fatty acids are C to C preferably C,., to C carboxylic. especially straight-chain. acids.

Supported metallic catalysts are a well-known general class of catalysts and many reactions are known in which such catalysts can be used. An example is the use of nickel-on-silica catalysts in the hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids. The use of noble metals in or on a support-material has also been proposed for this reaction. Although it has been stated that such catalysts containing noble metals have advantages, these have not been sufficiently large to overcome the disadvantages of cost and such catalysts have not been generally accepted for the hydrogenation of fatty acids.

It has now been found that polyunsaturated fatty acids can advantageously be hydrogenated in the presence of a polar solvent and a catalyst comprising Pd( ll) in a'support-material. During the whole ofthe hydrogenation Pd(ll) must be present. The polyunsaturated fatty acids are, for example, in the free form or as esters, preferaby as triglyceride oils. (Polyunsaturated fatty acids are fatty acids containing more than one carhon-carbon double bond.) Free polyunsaturated fatty acids and their derivatives can be selectively hydrogenated by use of this process to the monounsaturated compounds containing surprisingly little trans-isomers.

It is particularly significant that free polyunsaturated fatty acids can be hydrogenated selectively using the process of the invention; normally selective catalysts are poisoned by free fatty acids.

The process is particularly important for the selective hydrogenation of fatty acids containing minor quantities, i.e. less than 20%, especially less than 15%, of polyunsaturated fatty acids and major quantities of monounsaturated fatty acids; with most, perhaps all, other selective-catalysts with such fatty acids excessive quantities of transmonounsaturated fatty acids are formed. Thus using this process high purity oleic acid and useful cocoa-butter substitutes can be prepared. Cocoa-butter substitutes of excellent quality can for example be prepared by hydrogenation oftriglyceride oils containing a high proportion of SUS triglycerides where S is palmitic or stearic and U is a mixture of oleic with a small proportion of linoleic or more highly unsaturated fatty acids.

Suitable hydrogenation conditions include to 100C and l to atm.H But for instance lower and higher pressures of H can be used ifdisadvantages are tolerated. Preferred temperatures are C to 80C, particularly C to 50C.

The catalyst used in the process according to the invention is an excellent catalyst at low temperatures and low pressures. A further advantage is the small quantity of palladium that need be used.

Preferred support-materials are ion exchange resins, particularly resins based on copolymers of styrene and divinyl benzene. The resin should preferably be stable at 30C, i.e. the exchange capacity should not be significantly altered by treatment with strong aqueous base for 24 hours at 30C.

There is a very wide literature on the preparation, structure and properties of ion exchange resins. Reference can be made to manufacturers hand-books and brochures and to standard text-books such as F. Helffrich, Ion Exchange, McGraw-Hill, 1962'. R. Kunin and R. J. Myers, lon Exchange Resins, John Wiley and Sons; and K. Dorfner lonenaustauscher, 1964.

Cation exchange resins are preferably converted to the salt form, preferably the alkali-metal salt form. before introduction of Pd("). It should be noted that most cation exchange resins are supplied as their so dium salts.

Pd(ll) is preferably introduced using PdX where X is an anion such that PdX is soluble, for instance Clllu ride.

Anion exchange resins are preferably treated with base to convert them to the hydroxy form or. if the resin is weakly basic. the neutral form before introduc tion of Pd(). The amount of halide ion in the resin prior to introduction of Pd(") should preferably be as low as possible. Pd(ll) is preferably introduced using M PdX, where M is an alkali metal or ammonium, preferably sodium, and X is halogen. preferably chlorine.

Under hydrogenating conditions, i.e. in the presence of hydrogen and a polar-solvent, it is believed that the catalytic entity is [PdX H] or [PdXH] i.e.

where, for example, the bonds from palladium are connected to ternary amine groups in the resin.

Other, although less favoured, catalysts that can be used in the process of the invention are described by Lazcano and Germain in Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr., l97l (5) 1869.

NaOH, Na CO KOH and K CO are preferred bases for converting cation exchange resins to the salt-form and anion exchange resins to the hydroxylor free base-form.

Preferred polar (i.e. dielectric constant greater than 4) solvents are also proton-donors. The use of protondonors in hydrogenations catalyzed by supported me tallic catalysts, but not in hydrogenations as now proposed, is known, for instance from Basu and Chakrab arty, J. Amer. Oil Chem. Soc., 1966, 43, H9 and the Russian literature they cite. Proton-donor polar solvents include alcohols, such as methanol. ethanol and amyl alcohol; ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; and lower, C to C fatty acids such as acetic acid. Polar solvents that are not proton donors include cyclic ethers such as tetrahydrol'uran. The volume ratio of polar solvent to the unsaturated fatty acid is prcl'cra hly above l:l. For convenience it should preferably not be above l(l:l.

In the present process the use ol'etlianol is preferred and the use of acetone is specially preferred. The

Resin amount of water present in the solvent should preferably be less than l7c.

It has been found that the resin should preferably contain at least 0.7 meqjg. of active sites readily accessible to large molecules. Above 1.0 meq./g. and particularly above 2.0 meq./g. marked improvements are obtained.

The amount of active sites accessible to large molecules can be determined for strongly acidic resins by titration with safranine. For weakly acidic and weakly and strongly basic resins gravimetric methods can be used. for instance to measure the amount of chloride ions displaced by the sodium salt of anthraquinone-Z- sulphonic acid from a strongly basic resin in the Cl form. The sites readily accessible to large molecules will be considered in this specification to be the amount determined as explained above after five minutes contact with. for basic resins. anthraquinone-2- sulphonic acid or its sodium salt and. for acidic resins, safranine in either the hydroxyl or chloride form.

It has also been found that the percentage of sites readily accessible to large molecules should preferably be greater than 40% of the total available sites. The total available sites can be measured by standard techniques e.g. A.l. Vogel. Quantitative Inorganic Analysis. 3rd Ed. London. l965. When the percentage is greater than 50% particularly when greater than 60%. marked improvement is obtained.

As indicated in the first paragraph of this specification a process has also been discovered for preparing a support-material particularly suitable for a Pd(ll) catalyst as described but the support-material is not only used with advantage for such a catalyst. It has been found that the properties of an ion exchange resin as a support material for metallic catalysts are surprisingly improved by increasing the percentage of active sites readily accessible to large molecules by at least lu /1. preferably by at least The percentage is measured as described above.

The percentage can be increased. for example. by treatment with acid. or preferably with base. Treatment with base is preferred. at least when the resin. containing Mill]. is to be used in a process according to the invention because the preferred step of converting a cation exchange resin to salt-form or an anion exchange resin to OH- or free base form is superfluous. lf the resin contains quaternary ammonium or more basic groups. it is preferably treated with a strong base (i.e. fully ionized in water]. Weak anionexchange resins are preferably treated with weak base. The base or acid used in the treatment should preferably be in aquous solution. The treatment should be continued till the desired change in the percentage. preferably also the preferred amount. of active sites readily accessible to large molecules has been achieved. The treatment should preferably not cause a change in the number of total active sites of more than since it has been found that outside this limit the resins are difficult to separate from the treatment-liquor. Suitable treatment for most resins is it) hours at room temperature but simple experiment is advisable to check suitable conditions for a given resin and for a change in one variable as for instance when, as is preferred. the treatment takes place at above 80C. Usually a preferred treatment is at reflux for 4 hours in a 5% solution of strong base.

Increasing the percentage of active sites that are readily accessible to large molecules is particularly advantageous with resins based on a polymer of styrene and divinylbenzene. The mechanism by which such treatment improves the properties of the resins as support-materials for metallic catalysts is not fully understood. lt is not merely an increase in the surface-area. as is caused by swelling agents. of the resin. This is shown by the fact that with many resins the surfacearea is not substantially affected by the treatmentv It should also be noted that macroreticular resins are also improved by the treatment.

The resins obtained by the above treatment are particularly useful in the process. as described. for hydrogenating polyunsaturated fatty acids using a supported Pd(ll) catalyst in a polar solvent described above. The resins are also useful as supports for other metallic cat alysts. particularly heavy metal catalysts. and in other reactions.

A further aspect of the invention are metallic catalysts. particularly of the Pd(ll)-type. in ion exchange resins obtained by the above treatment.

All percentages and figures in this specification are by weight unless otherwise stated.

The invention will now be illustrated by the following examples and comparative experiments.

The examples are divided into three types: Examples A are processes for preparing modified supportmaterials; Examples B are catalysts on such supportmaterials and Examples C are catalytic processes.

EXAMPLES Al to 8 The following anion exchange resins were used as the support (all supplied as the chloride): Resin A (Trade Name: Amberlite IRA-400) This was a strongly basic anion exchanger based on polystyrene matrix cross-linked with about 3 to 5% of divinyl benzene. lts basic character was derived from quarternary ammonium groups. The total active sites were 3.8 meq/g. Resin B (Trade Name: Permutite. De- Acidite G-lP (SRA 99)) This was a weakly basic anion exchange resin. containing diethylamino groups on a polystyrene matrix cross-linked with divinyl benzene. Resin C (Trade Name: Permutite. De-Acidite H-IP (SRA 129)) This was a mixed base anion exchange resin containing tertiary amino and quaternary ammonium groups on a polystyrene matrix cross-linked with divinyl ben zene 7-9%. The total active sites were 3.8 meq/g. Resin D (Trade Name: Permutite. De-Acidite FF-lP (SRA 6| l) This was a strongly basic resin containing quaternary ammonium groups on a polystyrene matrix cross-linked with l-3% divinyl benzene. The total active sites were l.5 2.0 meq/g.

10 g samples of each of the resins in granular form were stirred overnight at room temperature with aqueous 5% Na CO or 5% NaOH and then filtered and washed with water.

In all eight examples the percentage of active sites readily accessible to large molecules is increased by at least l0%. Examples Al, A2. A3 and A4 were the res ins obtained by treating resins A. B. C and D with Na,. CO Examples A5. A6. A7 and A8 were the resins obtained by treating resins A. B. C and D with NaOH.

EXAMPLES B1 to 8 Each of the resins of Examples Al to 8 were added with the catalyst Example B7. Table IV presents the results:

I to a solution of 250 mg lopdcl. in 250 ml water. After TABLE 5 h stirring the catalysts obtained (Examples Bl to 8 5 O" W T n C C C I'll 5 4; 4 K In respectively) were filtered off, washed with water and ethanol and dried under vacuum. Starting 98 o 2.5 17.5 47 5 Hvdro- Table I gives the appearance of the catalysts of Exgc-mncd 5m 2: I M 5W 4 H amples Bl to 8. LEE

TABLE I m Conditions: 40C. 1 atm hydrogen pressure. 11.03";

Pd on oil l'xanlple (Ill Appearance SOh'fifllIElhZll'lOl 7 I h I Without any purification ofthe starting oil the h \dl'o- 3 gm' 'fm H gcnation took less than 50 min. The filterahility of the 3 yellow powder catalyst was excellent. The dilatations of the hydrogc 2 nated product were D l 100, D 970. D 720. D 6 grunge granules 480, D 255 and D 75. These values can be im 7 8 granules proved by fractionation of the hydrogenated oil. 8 brown powder 20 The catalyst had the select|vlty of a good supported copper catalyst with less trans isomer formation and much greater activity EXAMPLES Cl to 20 Th l fE 1 Bl 8 h' h h EXAMPLE B9 e cata ysts o xamp es to w to are t us examples of one aspect of the invention, were tested for 25 g g g t f f A] was added 5 their activity in the hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty 0 h 2 lssbo m T water After 5 h acids using free fatty acids from tallow, refined palm oil nrlgt F a yst F fi washed with and free fatty acids from palm oil. The results are given water 1 en et under Y in Tables H and "I. The catalyst was found to contain 2% of palladlum.

TABLE ll Example (C) Example (B) W Trans C C C C Tallow free fatty acids 56.6 6 23 15.5 38.7 7.0 l 2 50.0 11 24.8 17.0 41.6 2.5 2 3 51.1 11 24.9 17.9 39.8 3.3 3 4 50.1 13 24.7 17.5 41.0 2.4 4 7 46.6 11 24.8 17.7 41.6 2.1 5 8 47.2 11 24.9 17.5 42.2 2.0 Palm 611 55.0 0 45.2 4.5 38.5 10.1 6 1 43.8 5 45.1 6.9 43.5 2.8 7 2 43.7 7 44.8 5.3 46.7 1.5 8 6 446 II 46.5 6.8 46.8 3.5 9 7 43.6 8 46.3 5.2 46.1 0.9 10 8 44.4 7 46.1 5.8 43.7 2.8 Palm oil free fatty acids 55.0 I) 45.2 4.5 38.5 i0.| 11 4 45.3 5 45.2 7.3 43.3 2.8 12 5 47.1 5 46.7 5.1 43.4 2.3 13 6 46.0 9 45.4 5.4 46.1 1.3 14 7 45.4 4 46.0 4.7 45.8 2.0 15 8 45.9 6 45.6 6.0 44.7 2.2

t is monocne. is diene1 TABLE III EXAMPLE B10 Example B9 was repeated except that the resin of Ex- Initial rates 61 hydrogenation ll'l ml/mm. ample A2 was used instead ofthe resin of Example A Example (Cl Example (B1 tallow palm oil palm n The catalyst was found to contain 3% of palladium.

f.f.a. f.f.a.

EXAMPLES (:22 to 28 8. 13 6 2 1.7.16 2 10 90 Hydrogenatlons were carried out at 1 atm H and H g g 40-50C with iso-octane, light petroleum and ethanol E: in i5 5; 43 36 30 as solvents and the catalysts of Examples B9 and B10. T 8 65 85 60 The volume ratio substrate solvent was 1 5. Table V M 20 est 3 8 gives the results.

Comparative Test 2! 0 0 In a typical hydrogenation a reactor was charged with Test l and Test 2 were the products oftreating Resin 8 and Resin A with K,Pd(l as described for Examples Bl lo 8.

EXAMPLE C2l A stearin fraction of cottonseed oil was hydrogenated 250 mg catalyst. 20 g substrate and ml solvent. The course of the reaction was followed by measuring the 5 hydrogen uptake. After the calculated amount of hydrogen had been taken up, the catalyst was filtered off. washed with light petroleum, dried and reused. Use of a blanket of nitrogen or argon was unnecessary.

TABLE V Example 1C) Catalyst Solvent n,," W Trans C, C C t. lime tnnn 1 Palm oil 1.449] 49.5 (J 46 5 39 ll] 12 B9 Ethanol 1.4481) 42.8 5 45.3 7.l 14.3 1! I1 I B) Ethanol T4480 42.| h 45.2 (1.] 34.8 1.9 l 24 Blll Ethanol l.44Xl 43.7 7 44.8 5.3 46.7 l5 2 ('umparison H) lso-octane N O H A l\ E Comparison Hlll lso-octane hi H A (r ('ompanson H) l.|ght Petroleum TN 0 C H A l\ (1 F. lalm oll free falh acids l.439l 55 U 45.2 4 5 38.5 ltl.l 2s n lllhtmtti 143m 4710 9 45 4 5.4 40.1 1.3 ll Hill lxlhanol 14350 9 ll H s a U [511 n a ids 56.6 6 7 7. i huhm L Bl l lzthanol' 51) ll l7.(l 416 1.5 l-l (Jlate oil free l'att\ .iutls 87 5 ll (17.4 ll.l Ix n10 [Ethanol 70.1 s 4.1 75.0 4.9 s Comparison Pd on i'thanol (r91) 22 ill) no.1 2.6

'( onipnrahle tc\ll|twere oblalned Alth melhanol A standard. good palladium on charcoal catalyst EXAMPLE C29 EXAMPLE C30 EXAMPLES C3] to 34 Using the conditions described under Examples Cl to 20, except that sufficient catalyst was used to give 0.02% Pd on oil, the catalysts of Examples B7, 1 l and 12 were tested in the hydrogenation of palm oil. In Example C33 amyl alcohol was used instead of ethanol and the hydrogenation temperature was 95C instead A Catalyst pmpumd as descnbed by Lazcano d of 40C. The results obtained are given in Table I.

TABLE Vl Ex.lC| Catalyst Activity IV Trans C1,. CM CK C1% 31 B7 2.00 43.6 a 40.3 5.2 46d 0) 3: Bl] 2.2.45 44.4 h 41 5.2 45.2 17

34 B12 475 43 a r 45.5 5.1 45.3 1."

Initial rate in Germain. Bull. Chem. Soc. Fr.. l869 l97l was tested in the hydrogenation of palm oil as described for ExamplesC8.7. 17.18. [0.9.19 and 6.exeept that0.l7r Pd, based on oil. was used. An initial rate of hydrogenation EXAMPLES C35 to 4t! Using the same conditions as used in Example C3l the catalyst of Examples B7 and B8 were tested in the hydrogenation ofa variety of fatty acids (triglycerides).

of 4 ml/mm was Obmmed' The results are given in Table Vll is triene).

TABLE Vll Ex. Cut. Oil IV Trans C C C C (C) Crude fancy tallow 52 3.5 23.5 17.7 44.1 5.8 35 B8 do. 49 4 24.9 19.5 40.8 4.2 36 BR Crude palm oil 46.8 4 46.5 (1.6 4|.(l 4.2 Mid-fraction of palm oil 33.4 (J 57.3 81) 3 l .6 2.0 37 B7 do. 28.] 2 57.7 7.5 32.9 0.6 Top white tnllow 48.7 4 22.3 llil 42.7 ll 38 1-17 do. 46.8 5 23.0 12.5 44.6 1.x Cottonseed stearin )8 (I 2.5 I75 47 5 .w B7 1. 58.2 22 29.7 4.24 571.0 4.0 Refined soybean oil l3} (I 10.) 3.9 23.1 53.l 7.5 40 B7 do. 123 n 10. 4.4 30.1 47.7 5.0

EXAMPLE A9 Table Vll shows that a cottonseed stearin. produced Example A7 was repeated except that instead of by dry fractionation. can almost be freed from linoleie treatment overnight at room-temperature the resin was residues at the cost of formation of only 271 stearine. boiled with the NaOH for 3 hours. To obtain comparable figures with a good copper cata- EXAMPLE Bll lyst requires a longer time and more trans (ca. 3571] is Example 87 was repeated except that the resin of Ex- Produced ample A9 was used instead of that of Example A7. The catalyst obtained was a powder. EXAMPLES (4 m 43 IXAMPLP Example (9 was repeated w1th the differences |nd1- Example Bl l was repeated except that Na- -PdCl, was used instead of K PdCl,

cated in Table Vlll which also gives the results obtained.

TABLE VIII Ex. Cat. ppm Pd on Oil Activity IV Trans C C C...

4l Bl 200 44.4 6 5.2 45'' 1.7

41 BI] Ill 0.16 45.6 6 6.] 4L7 4.5

'I\'[niir\ An initial activity of 0.5 IV/min. corresponds to a total hydrogenation time of about 10 min.

The following resins not mentioned previously in the Examples were used in the following Examples.

Resin E: Amberlite IR 48. This was a weakly basic anion exchange resin (basic strength comparable to ammonium hydroxide) based on a phenol formalhdehyde polymer and deriving its basic properties from aromatic amino-groups. It was supplied by the manufacturer in the free base (OH) form.

Resin F: Amberlite IRA 938. This was a macroreticular, strongly basic anion exchange resin with pores of between 25000 and 230,000 A diameter. It was based on a polymer of styrene cross-linked with divinyl benzene. Ouarternary ammonium groups provided the basicity. It was supplied in the chloride-form.

Resin Amberlite IRA 93. This was a macroreticular. weakly basic anion exchange resin with very large pores. The basic, functional groups were tertiary amine groups. The resin is polystyrene cross-linked with divinyl benzene. It was supplied as the free base.

Resin H: Amberlite IRA 45. This was a basic anion exchange resin based on polystyrene cross-linked with divinyl benzene. Its hasicity was comparable to that of di-n-propylaminer It was supplied as the free base.

Resin 1: Amberlite IRA 401. This was a more porous analogue of resin A. Its cross-linking percentage was less than 2%.

Resin J: Dowex l X 8. This was a strongly basic anion exchange resin containing benzyI-trimethyl ammonium active groups on polystyrene cross-linked with 8% divinyl benzene. It was supplied in the chloride-form.

EXAMPLE A10 Resin E was boiled with a NaOH solution for 3 hours.

EXAMPLE B13 g of resin E was impregnated with 300 mg of K PdCh dissolved in 100ml water for l5hours. The filtrate was yellow indicating incomplete impregnation.

EXAMPLE B14 Example B13 was repeated except that the resin of Example A10 was used.

EXAMPLE All 10g of resin F was treated with 5% NaOH at roomtemperature for 24 hours.

EXAMPLE B15 The resin from Example A1 1 was impregnated with 280 mg NHgPdCI; in 100 ml water for 6 hours. 3g of catalyst was obtained.

COMPARATIVE EX PERIM ENT A Example B15 was repeated except that resin F was used instead of the resin of Example Al 1.

EXAMPLE B16 7g of resin G was impregnated with 280 mg Na PdCl dissolved in ml water for 15hoursv EXAMPLE A12 10 g of resin G was boiled with a 5% NaOH solution for 3 hours.

EXAMPLE B17 The resin of Example A12 was impregnated with 280 mg Na PdCh dissolved in 100 ml water for 15 hours EXAMPLE A13 10 g of resin H was boiled with a 5% NaOH solution for 3 hours.

EXAMPLE B18 The resin of Example A13 was impregnated with 280 mg Na PdCl dissolved in 100 ml water for 15 hours.

EXAMPLE B19 Example B18 was repeated except that resin H was used instead of the resin of Example Al3.

EXAMPLE A14 10 g of resin I was boiled with a 5% NaOH solution for 3 hours.

EXAMPLE B20 The resinof Example A14 was impregnated with 280 mg Na PdCl dissolved in 100 ml water for 15 hours.

EXAMPLE A15 Example A12 was repeated except that the resin was boiled with a 5% Na CO solution for 4 hours instead of with a 5% NaOH solution for 3 hours.

EXAMPLE B2l Example B17 was repeated using the resin of Example A15 instead of that of Example A12.

EXAMPLE A16 Example A13 was repeated using 5% Na CO for 4 hours instead of 5% NaOH for 3 hours.

EXAMPLE B22 Example B18 was repeated using the resin of Example A16 instead of that of Example A13.

EXAMPLES C44 to 51 The activity of some of the above catalysts was tested in the hydrogenation of a palm oil. 30 g in 136 ml ethanol, at 40C and 1 atm H Table IX gives the results obtained.

TABLE lX Ex. (tit Amount lnitizll Total l\' Trans C C C;,.' C ((l ppm rule" tlmc Slurtin nil (J 45.6 4.3 33.5 liHi 4-1 EH l5ll 73 4L7 9 46.2 7.2 4l.l 2.2 45 H1! 225 I2 3| 4l.l 9 46.3 9.l 4U] 2.7 11 H17 7 ll 24 42.6 K 47.4 5.9 43.3 1.7 -17 MIN 75 ll X6 422 7 47.0 5.8 43.3 lb 1H H2!) 75 25 ll 42-1 fl 46.8 5.3 44.8 14 4) H7 7 22 2] 4 .2 (I 46.5 5.54 45.9 21 \l-trlmg oil f 7 40.2 5.9 36.3 Ill 54! 2| 7.5 2|) Ih 44) ll 40.7 7.2 49 h l.H 5i H21 75 fill 5 451 ll 40.1) 6.5 43.3 U5

on ml 1 fllll'lllfl l l lmh: to take up 281! ml hydrogen This is the amount ol h) tlroguo [L'LllllfLtl to decrease lhe lmoleli; content lrom nhout ll, to about I;

EXAMPLES CS2 to 55 EXAMPLE B3] Catalysts B7 and B20 were tested further in the hydrogenation of 260 g palm oil at C using 1 atm H The resin of Example A21 was impregnated with RhCl as in Example B28.

The results are given in Table X. 20

TABLE X Ex. Cat. Amount Solvent Total Trans C CI, C C (Cl ppm time Starting oil 7 40.2 5.4 36.3 H13 52 B7 2 Ethanol 7o l4 40,9 7,1 431 1.5 53 B7 20 Acetone 60 I3 405 5.7 43.9 2.0 54 B20 20 Ethanol I03 401 8.2 41.3 4x1 55 B20 Acetone ll(l 4H1) 8.] 42.0 trace as C44 (5| "'SolientOil 3 l (\olumel as C44 (5i EXAMPLES A17 to 20 EXAMPLE 832 Four 8 Samples Of reslfl C were refluxed for 4 40 The resin of a repeat of Example A21 was impreghours a NaOH Solunonnated with RhCl as in Example 829.

EXAMPLES B23 to 26 EXAMPLE A23 f of the resins OfExamp|e.S A17 [0 A20 was Surf 10 g of resin J was refluxed with a 5% H SO solution ed a ml aqueous Solunon of 280 Na2PdCl 45 for 4 hours and then with a 592 NaOH solution for 4 for hours. From each 6 g catalyst was obtained. hours EXAMPLE B27 EXAMPLE B33 Example B23 was repeated except that Na PdCl Bm was used instead of Nazpdclb The res n of Example A22 was stirred with 280 mg Na PdCl in 100 ml water for 15 hours. EXAMPLE B28 5 g of the resin of Example A17 was stirred with 200 EXAMPLE A 23 mg RhCI .3H- O dissolved in 100 ml water for IS hours. 10 g of resin C was treated with a 5% NaOH solution int -wterf 5h 't80. EXAMPLE B29 a 0r C 5 g of the rsin of Example Al? was stirred for hours EXAMPLE B34 with 200 mg RhCl .3H 0 dissolved in 100 ml water The resin of Example A23 was stirred with I75 mg Containing 100 mg N30. PdCl and 107 mg NaCl dissolved in 100 ml tap-water.

EXAMPLE B30 EXAMPLE A24 13 g f h resin f E l A17 was i d f lOgof resin C was refluxed with a 5'7 H:SO.solution hours with 200 mg Nu- PtCh dissolved in 20 ml water. f0? 4 ur EXAMPLE A2l 5 g of resin C was refluxed for 4 hours with a 571 H 50, solution. 3.5 g of resin was obtained.

EXAMPLE B35 The resin of Example A24 was stirred with 280 mg NllgPdCl; in l()() ml water for l. hours.

' EXAMPLE A Example A24 was repeated except that after treatment with the H 50 the resin was stirred in a 5% NaOH solution at room temperature for min.

EXAMPLE B36 Example B was repeated using the resin of Example A25 instead of that of Example A24.

EXAMPLES (69 to 73 The fatty acid composition of the starting oils used in Examples C56 to C68. of the olive oil free fatty acids used in Example C72 and ofthe oils hardened using the same conditions as given under Examples CS6 to (68. are shown in Table XII. The catalyst used was that of Example B24.

TABLE Xll Amt. Ex.(C] Oil catv lV Trans C, C C C Palm oil 0 45.6 4.4 38.5 HIS 69 20 43.2 6 46.5 5.8 43.8 2.2 Mowrah stearin 2.5 30.0 26.0 31.2 I L5 70 40 7 6 31.9 24.6 38.3 3.3 Cottonseed stearin 75.0 0 48.8 2.2 l 1.] 3b.] 71 40 45.6 I? 50.7 3.5 40.0 4.5 Olive oil f.f.a. 87 5 0 l4.l 3.0 67.4 IL! 72 76.3 12 14.4 4.8 75.4 3.3 Comp.B* [U0 64.3 I8 I18 [5.9 64.7 2.6 Cottonseed stcarin*** 98.0 0 29.2 2.5 U5 47.5 73 58.0 22 29.7 4.8 561) 4.0 Compf" 58.0 35 29.3 4.5 5h.3 4.2

Hydrogenated with a Pnlladiumam-charcoal catalyst (Engelhardt) at SUT and I5 utml'l Hydrogenated with a good copper catalyst at IKS'C and 5 atmH "Dry fractionated.

EXAMPLES CS6 to 68 The duplicability of hydrogenations using catalysts according to the invention was tested. The conditions were 40C, 1 atm H 260 g oil and 950 ml ethanol. The results obtained are given in Table Xl.

I EXAMPLES C74 to 77 Table Xlll gives the results of hydrogenating two 30 qualities of palm oil using 20 ppm of catalyst of Example B24, 40C, 260 g oil, 950 ml solvent and l atm.H

TABLE Xlll Ex. Total Total Solvent reaction 2 Trans C C". C. CD. (C) time min. uptake ml.

Palm oil A 7 40.2 5.4 36,1 10.3 74 Ethanol 70 2300 I4 40.9 7.1 42.1 1.5 75 Acetone I850 13 40.5 5.7 43.9 2.0 Palm oil B 0 45.6 4.4 38.5 10.9 Ethanol 70 2350 a 46.5 5.8 43.8 2.2 77 Acetone 1875 6 46.5 4.1K 44.2 2.]

TABLE X] EX EXAMPLES C78 and 79 Oil Cat. Total H, Time Amount of (C) Uptake min catalyst m pp T l I r 1- 56 Palm 0" B24 2300 32 30 ab e XIV gives results obta med from the hydrogr. 57 2380 37 3O nation of cottonseed stearm using 40 ppm catalyst B l 9 58 do. do. 2395 35 30 50 but otherwise the conditions used in Exa l 59 do. do. 2080 70 20 77 mp es C74 m 20 M do. do. 2300 75 20 l h t 62 3: :35? 2g 28 In the examples of this speclfication cottonseed stea- 23 C do.d (5) 433 40 rin has been prepared by solvent fractionation unless ottonsee slearin 6 3 70 65 do. do. 6500 56 70 55 otherwise stated. 66 do. do. 7100 44 7o 2; do!" do. 7180 48 70 The use of acetone IS more advantageous than the re- 7100 50 70 sults in Tables Xlll and XIV might imply. A true pic- Table x" tu re would have been obtained if the hydrogenations p t m l a 60 with acetone and ethanol had been stopped at the same linoleate content.

TABLE XlV Example (C) Solvent IV Trans Cottonseed 1 4?. K 3 7 II l V, stearin 7X Ethanol 45.11 l7 SH 7 '7 41m 4 t 79 Acetone 4 l v2 25 EXAMPLE A26 Resin C was stirred with a NaOH solution in tapwater at 80C for 5 hours.

EXAMPLE B37 The resin of Example A26 was stirred with [07 mg NaCl and 175 mg PdCl dissolved in tap-water. The ratios of resin NaCl PdCl water were 85:l0:l7:l0,000.

EXAMPLES C80 to 83 The catalyst B37 was compared with the catalysts B25 and B26 in the hydrogenation of palm oil at 40C,

Resin for Example B39 EXAMPLE B39 The resin was transferred to a 250 ml Erlenmeyer flask containing 100 ml water and 280 mg Na- PdCL. After stirring for hours the catalyst was filtered off. washed with I00 ml water and ml acetone and dried 1 atm H,,260g oil and 950 ml acetone. Table XV gives l5 under vacuum for min at room temperature. 7.6 g.

the results obtained.

of powdered catalyst was obtained.

TABLE XV Initial React. Ar'nount Ex. Cat. rate time cat. lV Trans C C, C... C (C) ml/min. mim. ppm

Palm oil 52.8 0 45.7 4.4 38.4 9.6 80 B25 30 27 30 44.9 6 47.0 4.8 43.9 2.0 Kl B26 36 30 44.8 6 45.5 4.8 44.4 2.0 82 B37 250 lU.5 30 45.0 6 44.7 4.9 45.5 [.9 83 B37 30 44 I5 45.0 6 45.5 5.2 44.8 2.2

EXAMPLE A27 Example A20 was repeated except that resin K was 30 RESIN FOR EXAMPLE 840 The same technique was used as for the resin for Example B39 except that, instead of the 8% NaOH solution. 100 ml ofa l07c HCl solution was passed through the column.

EXAMPLE B38 35 EXAMPLE B Example B39 was repeated except that the resin for Example B26 was repeated using the resin of Exam- I p A27 instead of the resin of Example A20 Example 40 was used. 7.2 g of catalyst was produced as a powder.

EXAMPLES C84 and 85 40 Table XVl gives the results obtained in the hydroge- EXAMPLE A28 nation of palm oil using catalysts B26 and B38 and the [0 g of Resin K was refluxed for 4 hours in a roundconditions including a quality of oil given in Examples bottomed flask with 100 ml 0f5% N3OH, After o li C80 to C83. the resin was filtered and washed with I00 ml water.

TABLE XVI Ex.(Cl Cat. Amount Activity" Trans C C C C 84 B26 30 40 6 45.5 4.8 44.4 2.0 85 B38 30 5S 6 44.7 5.0 45.3 2.0

Tim-.- in min. to take up H475 ml H EXAMPLES C86, 87 and 88 Table XVII gives results obtained using the conditions including quality of oil given in Examples C to C83 except as indicated. Example B34 was the catalyst.

EXAMPLE B41 Example B39 was repeated except that the resin of Example A28 was used. 7.2 g of catalyst was produced as a powder.

RESINS FOR EXAMPLES B42 and B43 EXAMPLE A 29 (for Example B44) Example A28 was repeated but using Resin L instead of Resin C.

EXAMPLES B42, 43 and 44 Example B39 was repeated three times using the appropriate resins (see above) and 170 g PdCL, instead of 280 mg Na PdCl EXAMPLE A30 Example A28 was repeated using Resin M instead of Resin K.

Resin M (Trade Name: Ambolite [RC 50) This was a weakly acidic cation-exchange resin based on a polystyrene matrix cross-linked with divinyl benzene. Its acidic character was derived from carboxylic groups.

EXAMPLE B45 The resin of Example A30 was impregnated with 170 mg PdCl dissolved in 100 ml water. After drying 7.0 g of produced catalyst was obtained.

EXAMPLE A3l Example A30 was repeated except that Na CO was used instead of 5% NaOH.

EXAM PLE B46 Example B45 was repeated using the resin of Example A3l.9.5 g of catalyst was obtained as a very fine powder.

EXAMPLE A32 g of Resin G was treated with 5% NaOH as described in Example A28.

EXAMPLE B47 The resin of Example A32 was impregnated with 280 mg Na PdCl in the manner described in Example B39. 5.5 g of catalyst was obtained.

EXAMPLE A33 Example A28 was repeated using Resin M instead of Resin K and NaHCO instead of NaOH.

EXAMPLE B48 Example B39 was repeated using the resin of Example A33. 6.0 g of catalyst was obtained.

EXAMPLE B49 7 g of Resin M was impregnated without any pretreatment with 280 mg Na PdCl in the manner as described in Example B39. 6.5 g of catalyst was obtained.

EXAMPLES C89 to 96 The catalysts of Examples B39 to B46 were tested in a hydrogenation reaction. For that purpose a 2 l glass reactor, which was constantly kept at a temperature of 40C and was provided with a stirring device. was filled with 260 g refined palm oil and 950 ml destilled techincal acetone. After addition of the catalyst the reaction vessel was closed and washed with hydrogen. The hy drogen pressure was constantly kept at 78 mm mercury. The reaction was started by actuating the stirring device. The course of the reaction was detected by measuring the uptake of hydrogen. The activity of the catalysts was compared by measuring the time needed for taking up 1875 ml hydrogen, during which the linoleic acid content of the palm oil decreased from 10% to about 2%. The results of these experiments are given in Table XVIII.

TABLE XVIII Example (C) Catalyst Amount Activit} cat. (min) mg Pd/kg oil 89 B39 30 91 B40 60 none 9l B4l 3t) 32 92 B42 30 (i3 93 B43 60 none 94 B44 IU 4| 95 B45 l5 5| 96 B46 30 45" The reaction stopped after uptake of H01) ml hydrogen "The reaction stopped after uptake of I450 ml hydrogen TABLE XIX IV Trans C C (M C Starting 52.8 0 45.7 4.4 38.4 lt).(t Material Ex. C91 448 6 45.0 4.9 45.7 2.1 do. C94 449 7 45.9 4.8 45.0 2.0 do. C95 45.! 4 45.8 4.4 45.2 1.8

It is remarkable that not only a high selectivity can be obtained but also the formation of relatively few trans isomers.

EXAMPLES C97, 98 and 99 The catalysts of Examples B47, B48 and B49 were used for a hydrogenation reaction. A 500 ml stirred glass reactor was filled with 30 g neutralized, refined palm oil and 100 ml ethanol. After addition of the catalyst the reaction vessel was closed and carefully washed with hydrogen. The hydrogen pressure was kept on 78 cm mercury and the temperature at 40C. The reaction was started by activating the stirring device. The activity ofthe catalysts was compared by measuring the time needed to take up 280 ml hydrogen. The results, together with the fatty acid composition of the hardened oil. are given in Table XX.

TABLE xx Amount Activity Ex. Cat. mg Pd/kg oil (min.) IV Trans C,,;+C ,f C C C (CI 97 B47 225 31 41. 9 46.2 7.2 4I.I 2.2 98 B48 75 24 41 .l 8 46.4 5.9 43.3 L7 99 B49 75 I6 4]. 5 46.1 5.5 455 L8 Starting material 45.6 4.4 38.5 10.3

The lye treatment not only improves the activity but also the selectivity. The weakly basic resin is moreover preferably pretreated with a weaker base. such as sodium bicarbonate.

EXAMPLES A34 and B50 Examples A28 and B4I were repeated using Resin D instead of Resin K.

EXAMPLES Cl00. [GI and I02 The catalyst of Example B50 was subsequently tested in a hydrogen reaction on the palm oil of Table XIX, palm oil fatty acids and tallow fatty acids. The palm oil fatty acids were obtained from the palm oil according 35 to known standard methods. The hydrogenation was carried out in the reactor of Examples C97 to C99 with the ethanol as the solvent. The results are given in Table XXI.

The catalyst of Example B45 is superior to the other catalysts as regards activity, selectivity and trans isomer formation. The oil from Example I07 shows that soyabean oil hydrogenated according to the invention is an acceptable tableoil.

EXAMPLES B] and 52 Starting from Resin G. two catalysts were prepared according to the method indicated for the resin of Example B39. except that the carrier of the one catalyst (B51 was pretreated with 100 ml of an 8% NaOH solution and the other (B52) with I00 ml of an 8% sodium bicarbonte solution.

EXAMPLES C108 and I09 The catalysts B5I and B52 were tested on their activity in the hydrogenation of palm oil in the manner as described in Examples C86 to C93. It appeared that Remarkably. no difference in selectivity and formation of trans isomers is found between the oil and the corresponding free fatty acids.

EXAMPLES CI03 to I07 The catalyst of Example B45 was used for a hydrogenation reaction on cotton seed stearin, olive oil fatty acids and soyabean oil under the conditions and in the apparatus described in Examples C86 to C93. The rewith an amount of catalyst 30 mg Pd/kg oil both catalysts are not able to take up 1875 ml hydrogen.

With catalyst B51 the reaction stopped after 65 min. after 1450 ml hydrogen had been taken up; catalyst B52 stopped after 46 min. after only 580 ml hydrogen had been taken up. The conversion into the OH form of the resin with the aid ofa standard column technique does not produce good carrier materials.

EXAMPLE CI 10 suits are given in Table XXII. 50 From the palm oil fatty acids of Example C98 sodium TABLE XXII Exv Amount Oil Cat. mg/kg IV Trans C C C C... C ICI oil I03 fractionated B45 90 55.3 23 30.7 4.2 59.6 0.3

cotton seed st. I04 idem Cu 6000 58.3 35 29.3 4.5 56.3 4.]

Starting material 98.0 0 29.2 2.5 l7.5 47.5 I05 oli\e oil ffa. B45 77.5 8 I32 4.2 78.5 35 I06 idem 59F Pd/C** I00 64.3 I8 l3.8 I58 64.7 2.6

Starting material 87.5 (J I4.I .0 69.4 |I.I I07 Soyahean oil B 30 H5 I I I I.4 4.2 36.8 42.3 3.5 Starling material I09 3.9 2.3.I 53.2 7.5

'IKSC and 5 atm hydrogen pressure MIT and I5 aim hydrogen pressure soap was prepared. 30 g of this sodium soap was filled into the reactor of Example C94. After addition of 75 mg Pd/kg substrate of the catalyst of Example B4l a hydrogenation reaction was carried out at 40C and 1 atm hydrogen pressure. The solvent of this experiment was a mixture of 75 ml water and 75 ml ethanol. After 40 min. the reaction was interrupted after 100 m1 hydrogen had been taken up. The mixture of sodium soaps was subsequently converted into the corresponding methyl esters. G.L.C. analysis showed that the linoleic acid content of the palm oil fatty acid soap had decreased from l0.0% to 5.2%. The trans content was 3%.

EXAMPLE Cl It The catalyst of Example B44 was used for the hydrogenation of palm oil in tetrahydrofuran as solvent in the reactor and under the conditions of Example C86. A time of I minutes was needed to take up I875 ml hydrogen at an amount of catalyst of 30 mg Pd/kg oil. The linoleic acid content of the palm oil had decreased from to 2%. 0.5% stearic acid was formed. the trans content of the product being 8% EXAMPLE C112 The catalyst of Example B4l was used for the hydrogenation of palm oil in the reactor and under the conditions of Example C94. The solvent used during this experiment was acetic acid. The amount of catalyst used was 125 mg Pd/kg oil. After a hydrogenation time of l6 minutes the reaction was interrupted. A fatty acid analysis showed that the linoleic acid content had decreased from 10% to 4.3% and that 1.5% stearic acid had been formed. The trans content was 7%.

EXAMPLE Cl 13 22 EXAMPLES A35 to 38 5 g of each of resins A, D. F and J. respectively, were refluxed for 4 hours with S g NaOH in l00 ml water.

EXAMPLES B53 to 56 TABLE XXlll Total Exchange Exchange Capacity Resin Treatment Capacity meq/g meq/g for Large Molecules Before After A Example A35 3.5 0.30 I. l D Example A36 40 0.90" 2.0 F Example A37 3.5 1.3 2 2 Measured as described in A. l. \ogel. Quantitathe Inorganic r\ll.ll \\l ml l tl London. N65.

Meusured as follonsv 5 g of the resin as dried. comertetl the (l toun uh l0!) ml HCl. washed with titer till the filtrate \\.|s t'hIorItIc-tree .intl ll|l\tl \lmut I g was then v-eighed accurately and shaken for 5 minutes \\||ll I g \tltlltllll tinthraquinone-1-sulphonate in 250 ml vulter "lhc resin as then filtered tllld tlu amount of chloride ion in the filtrate measured graiunctrlcall Measured using the method giwn in K Hale ct all .l ()rg ('ht-m I I claim:

1. A process for hydrogenating polyunsaturated fatty acids and their triglyceride esters at about 0C to about C using about 1 to about 5 atms. hydrogen in the presence of a polar solvent and a supported hea\ metal catalyst in which the heavy-metal is Pdtll). the catalyst-support is an ion-exchange resin consisting es sentially ofa polystyrene matrix cross-linked vtith divinyl benzene and at least 2.0 meq/g active sites readily accessible to large molecules and the Pdtll) has been introduced into the saltform of the resin when the resin is a cationexchange and into the hydroxyl or neu tral form when the resin is an anion-exchange resin. 

1. A PROCESS FOR HYDROGENATING POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS AND THEIR TRIGLYCERIDE ESTERS AT ABOUT O C TO ABOUT 100 C USING ABOUT 1 TO ABOUT 5 ATMS. HYDROGEN IN THE PRESENCE OF A POLAR SOLVENT AND A SUPPORTED HEAVY-METAL CATALYST IN WHICH THE HEAVY-METAL IS PD(II), THE CATALYST-SUPPORT IS AN ION-EXCHANGE RESIN CONSISTING ESSENTIALLY OF A POLYSTYRENE MATRIX CROSSLINKED WITH DIVINYL BENZENE AND AT LEAST 2.0 MEQ/G ACTIVE SITES READILY ACCESSIBLE TO LARGE MOLECULES AND THE PD (II) HAS BEEN INTRODUCED INTO THE SALT-FORM OF THE RESIN WHEN THE RESIN IS A CATIONEXCHANGE AND INTO THE HYDROXYL OR NEUTRAL FORM WHEN THE RESIN IS AN ANION-EXCHANGE RESIN. 